Labour MP for Wentworth
November 16, 2009

BREAKTHROUGH IN MP’S COMPENSATION FEES FIGHT

A LOCAL MP has made a breakthrough in his campaign for wrongly charged legal fees to be returned to ex-miners.

John Healey has learned that tens of thousands of pounds in deductions taken from compensation are expected to be paid back soon.

The Wentworth MP said: “Two months ago I stepped up my campaign to help these men and their families claim back the money they are entitled to. Hundreds more people came forward with complaints and I am confident of seeing thousands of pounds returned to ex-miners.”

Raleys – who took deductions and paid the NUM – was one of the most widely-used solicitors in the area for coal claims. Mr Healey has learned the firm is to write to 30,000 clients inviting them to complain about the NUM fee in order to receive an offer of payment. 

Meanwhile other local solicitors Mr Healey has complained about have begun proposing refunds. Nearly £10,000 has been offered to his constituents in the first half of November alone.  
 
Mr Healey said: “Solicitors who wrongly took deductions should know that I will continue to demand they pay this money back. Ex-miners have been out of pocket for long enough. 

“I am pleased that Raleys have responded to the pressure being put on them and want to see this money being paid quickly, so these families have a bit of extra cash this Christmas.

“Now I am calling on all other solicitors at fault to do the right thing – make their clients aware they took deductions and to repay fees quickly.”
 
The Coal Health Compensation Scheme was set up in 1998 to help ex-miners suffering from respiratory disease and vibration white finger. In the Wentworth constituency nearly 10,000 people have received payments totalling over £50m. Some solicitors charged fees even though their costs were being met by the government. 

Constituents who think deductions may have been taken from their compensation and would like some help can ring Mr Healey’s office on 01709 875943. He is working with the Legal Complaints Service to get the money refunded.

He said: “If you have not yet contacted me but used Raleys solicitors, you should wait for your letter. Otherwise, get in touch – don’t be put off if you do not have all the paperwork. I will do everything I can to help you get this money back."